What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Erythromycin and pitavastatin
Pitavastatin's FDA label of March 31, 2026 names erythromycin in its drug interactions section; erythromycin's label does not name pitavastatin itself but warns about its class (Statins). The pitavastatin label: “Erythromycin significantly increases pitavastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.”
Check it at the source: the erythromycin FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 1, 2024, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.); the pitavastatin FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 31, 2026, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.).
What does the erythromycin label say about pitavastatin?
Erythromycin's label does not name pitavastatin itself; it warns about its class (Statins):
Erythromycin label, contraindicationsErythromycin is contraindicated in patients taking terfenadine, astemizole, pimozide, or cisapride. (See PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions .) Do not use erythromycin concomitantly with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are extensively metabolized by CYP 3A4 (lovastatin or simvastatin), due to the increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis.
Erythromycin label, contraindicationsDo not use erythromycin concomitantly with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are extensively metabolized by CYP 3A4 (lovastatin or simvastatin), due to the increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis.
Source: FDA drug label (Erythromycin), Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., effective August 1, 2024 (SPL set 75a0bd5a-d09f-483b-bfd8-f8343b149eb2), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the pitavastatin label say about erythromycin?
Pitavastatin label, drug interactionsClinical Impact: Erythromycin significantly increases pitavastatin exposure and increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Intervention: In patients taking erythromycin, do not exceed LIVALO 1 mg once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ].
Pitavastatin label, warnings and precautionsThere are LIVALO dosage restrictions for patients taking erythromycin or rifampin [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ].
Source: FDA drug label (Zypitamag, NDA208379), Medicure International Inc, effective December 3, 2025 (SPL set c8c50e03-5cb8-43f4-bdef-8edd12f1945f), via openFDA
Source: FDA drug label (Livalo), Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., effective March 31, 2026 (SPL set 44dcbf97-99ec-427c-ba50-207e0069d6d2), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Erythromycin | Pitavastatin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Bacterial infections, Acne | High cholesterol |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $1.96 per tablet 250 mg tablet | $0.954 per tablet 2 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once